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This project is a collection of original documents filed in New York by people wishing to become citizens of the United States. These documents have information about the person's family, immigration details, and their life in the United States.

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Keying Aliases

Per keying instructions:
Finally, if there is more than one alias listed on the image and there is only one alias name field, you should only enter the first alias found on the record.

Per NY Originals guidelines:
We are to key signature as primary and clerk spelling as alias. If these are the same, then we look for the first alias on the form, which usually is 'entered country name'.

Examples of Records that should NOT be keyed

The following records should be classified as “Cover page, Section Header, etc” forms and should not be keyed.

List of Petition numbers included in the microfilm roll.

Petition is obscured by another document. Neither Oaths of Allegiance nor Certificates of Arrival are keyed.

Declaration Should NOT be keyed as it is lying on top of petition.

Declaration Should NOT be keyed as the certificate of arrival is laying on top of declaration.

Page 2 of Petition Should NOT be keyed.

Certificate of Examination Should NOT be keyed.

Keying Duplicate Records

There are times when you will key an image when the following image is the exact same image but appears to be of better quality. In this situation return to the first image and change Form Type to "Duplicate Image" - this will prompt a pop-up message stating, "Since you indicated that this is a form type of [Duplicate Image], there are not any additional data to enter from the current image." Click on Yes.

Additionally, if you come across images that are duplicates but one does not appear to be of better quality than the other image, key the information from the first image and mark the second image as a duplicate image.

Please do not key both images. These duplicates are to be marked as duplicates and not cover pages.

Project-specific sample images and form field help:

Click the captions of the images below to see the corresponding form field examples.

Petition for Naturalization 1

Form 1

Form 1

The Petition for Naturalization 1 form type is characterized by the large arching text "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" printed at the top of the page. Either above or below this title will be a paragraph in smaller print starting with the line: "Department of Commerce and Labor" or "Department Labor". Not far below that will be the subtitle: "Petition for Naturalization."

Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically stated in the record.
See Example

Given Name

Key the first name and any middle names or initials. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS GIVEN NAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Surname

Enter the surname here as it appears on the image, using the drop-down list to help you. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS SURNAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations. See Example

Alias Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically stated in the record.
See Example

Alias Given

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. Key the first name and any middle names or initials in the Alias Given field. If you cannot distinguish a given name or surname, please input the entire name in this field. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS GIVEN NAME and the signed version as GIVEN NAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Alias Surname

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. Key the surname from the alias in the Alias Surname field. If you are unsure which part of the alias is the surname, enter the entire alias in the Alias Given field. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS SURNAME and enter the signed version as SURNAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Alias Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations.
See Example

Date of Birth Day

Enter the day from the date of birth. Only record the number in this field.
See Example

Date of Birth Month

Enter the month from the date of birth. Please expand any abbreviations to the full name of the month, using the drop-down list to help you.
See Example

Date of Birth Year

Enter the four-digit year from the date of birth. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year. Do not calculate year of birth from age.
See Example

Birth Country

Key only the Country of Birth, using the drop-down list to help you. While this is not a "required" field, it must be entered if present in the record.

Do not key any other jurisdiction such as City, County, or Region.

Separate multiple countries with a semicolon space (; ).

This also includes countries that were once part of a larger empire, e.g. "Finland of the Empire of Russia" should be keyed as Finland; Empire of Russia.

In some cases, the record taker may have recorded an allegiance instead of a nationality, like "Queen of England." We would drop Queen, King, etc from the country.

If you can determine the country or nationality, please record that, otherwise, please leave the field blank.

If the person was born in the USA and only the state is showing, mark the country blank.

If a country is shown as Austria-Hungary, key as Austria-Hungary.

If a country is shown as Austria Hungary, key as Austria; Hungary.

If a country is shown as Yugo Slavia (Hungary), key as Yugo Slavia; Hungary.

If a country is shown as Galicia, Austria, key as Galicia; Austria

Do not Expand abbreviations.

Do not correct or modernize spellings.

Tip: There has been some confusion between country of birth, and country of loyalty. Use country of birth ("a native of"). Substitute country of loyalty ONLY when there is no country of birth. See Example

Spouse Given Name

Key the given name of the spouse as it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help. See Example

Spouse Surname

Key the surname of the spouse if it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help. Do not assume the surname from the husband's name. Key only if actually present in the record.
See Example

Children

Enter the names of any children recorded on the image. Please only enter the names and separate multiple children's names with a comma space for example: "James, Mary, John, Susan". Key surname only IF shown on children field. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record.
See Example

Arrival Year

Enter the four-digit year the person arrived in the United States. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year. Do not use date of residing since YEAR. If no date is shown on the emigrated date line, leave blank. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record.
See Example

Record Day

Key the Petition Day from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...."
See Example

Record Month

Key the Petition Month from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...." Key the full spelling of the month or select the month from the drop-down list. To activate the drop-down list, key the first letter of the month.
See Example

Record Year

Key the Petition Year from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...." Enter as four digits. If only two-digits are given for the year, expand to four digits if you feel confident in your determination of the century.
See Example

Petition for Naturalization 2

Form 2

The Petition for Naturalization 2 form type is recognizable by the large words "District Court of the United States" printed at the top of the page.

Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically stated in the record.
See Example

Given Name

Key the first name and any middle names or initials. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS GIVEN NAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Surname

Enter the surname here as it appears on the image, using the drop-down list to help you. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS SURNAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations.
See Example

Alias Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically stated in the record.
See Example

Alias Given

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. Key the first name and any middle names or initials in the Alias Given field. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS GIVEN NAME and the signed version as GIVEN NAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Alias Surname

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. Key the surname from the alias in the Alias Surname field. If you are unsure which part of the alias is the surname, enter the entire alias in the Alias Given field. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS SURNAME and enter the signed version as SURNAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Alias Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations.
See Example

Birth Country

Key only the Country of Birth, using the drop-down list to help you. While this is not a "required" field, it must be entered if present in the record.

Do not key any other jurisdiction such as City, County, or Region.

Separate multiple countries with a semicolon space (; ).

This also includes countries that were once part of a larger empire, e.g. "Finland of the Empire of Russia" should be keyed as Finland; Empire of Russia.

In some cases, the record taker may have recorded an allegiance instead of a nationality, like "Queen of England." We would drop Queen, King, etc from the country.

If you can determine the country or nationality, please record that, otherwise, please leave the field blank.

If the person was born in the USA and only the state is showing, mark the country blank.

If a country is shown as Austria-Hungary, key as Austria-Hungary.

If a country is shown as Austria Hungary, key as Austria; Hungary.

If a country is shown as Yugo Slavia (Hungary), key as Yugo Slavia; Hungary.

If a country is shown as Galicia, Austria, key as Galicia; Austria

Do not Expand abbreviations.

Do not correct or modernize spellings.

Tip: There has been some confusion between country of birth, and country of loyalty. Use country of birth ("a native of"). Substitute country of loyalty ONLY when there is no country of birth. See Example

Record Day

Key the Petition Day from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...."
See Example

Record Month

Key the Petition Month from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...." Key the full spelling of the month or select the month from the drop-down list. To activate the drop-down list, key the first letter of the month.
See Example

Record Year

Key the Petition Year from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...." Enter as four digits. If only two-digits are given for the year, expand to four digits if you feel confident in your determination of the century.
See Example

Declarations and Petitions for Naturalization 3

Use this form for Declarations and Petitions that do not fit Form 1 or 2

Click the captions of the images below to see the corresponding form field examples.

Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically entered in the record.
See Example

Given Name

Key the first name and any middle names or initials. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS GIVEN NAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Surname

Enter the surname here as it appears on the image, using the drop-down list to help you. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS SURNAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations.
See Example

Alias Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically stated in the record.
See Example

Alias Given

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. This can also be used for a 'changed name to'. Key the first name or initial and any middle names or initials in the Alias Given field.
See Example

Alias Surname

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. This can also be used for a 'changed name to'. Key the surname from the alias in the Alias Surname field.
See Example

Alias Suffix

Key all titles following the surname, such as "Jr" or "III."
See Example

Birth Country

Key only the Country of Birth, using the drop-down list to help you. While this is not a "required" field, it must be entered if present in the record.

Do not key any other jurisdiction such as City, County, or Region.

Separate multiple countries with a semicolon space (; ).

This also includes countries that were once part of a larger empire, e.g. "Finland of the Empire of Russia" should be keyed as Finland; Empire of Russia.

In some cases, the record taker may have recorded an allegiance instead of a nationality, like "Queen of England." We would drop Queen, King, etc from the country.

If you can determine the country or nationality, please record that, otherwise, please leave the field blank.

If the person was born in the USA and only the state is showing, mark the country blank.

If a country is shown as Austria-Hungary, key as Austria-Hungary.

If a country is shown as Austria Hungary, key as Austria; Hungary.

If a country is shown as Yugo Slavia (Hungary), key as Yugo Slavia; Hungary.

If a country is shown as Galicia, Austria, key as Galicia; Austria

Do not Expand abbreviations.

Do not correct or modernize spellings.

Tip: There has been some confusion between country of birth, and country of loyalty. Use country of birth ("a native of"). Substitute country of loyalty ONLY when there is no country of birth. See Example

Date of Birth Day

Enter the day from the date of birth. Only record the number in this field.
See Example

Date of Birth Month

Enter the month from the date of birth. Please expand any abbreviations to the full name of the month, using the drop-down list to help you.
See Example

Date of Birth Year

Enter the four-digit year from the date of birth.
If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year.
See Example

Spouse Given Name

Key the given name of the spouse as it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help.
See Example

Spouse Surname

Key the surname of the spouse if it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help. Do not assume the surname from the husband's name. Key only if actually present in the record.
See Example

Children

Enter the names of any children recorded on the image. Please only enter the names and separate multiple children's names with a comma space for example: "James, Mary, John, Susan". Key surname only IF shown on children field. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record.
See Example

Arrival Year

Enter the four-digit year the person arrived in the United States. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year. Do not use date of residing since YEAR. If no date is shown on the emigrated date line, leave blank. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record.
See Example

Record Day

Key the Petition Day from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...."
See ExampleSee Example

Record Month

Key the Petition Month from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...." Key the full spelling of the month or select the month from the drop-down list. To activate the drop-down list, key the first letter of the month.
See ExampleSee Example

Record Year

Key the Petition Year from the petition date found in the "Affidavits of Witnesses" or "When Oath Administered by Clerk" sections of the petition. The date usually follows the line "Subscribed and sworn to before me...." Enter as four digits. If only two-digits are given for the year, expand to four digits if you feel confident in your determination of the century.
See ExampleSee Example

Additional Helps

Most of the images I encounter have two documents, one on the right side and one on the left, should both documents be keyed?

- No, documents found on the left-hand side should not be keyed. Information on these records will be found on another record in this collection.

If there are multiple spellings on the form which do I use?

- Typically there is a signature on the form where the applicant signed their own name. This is typically the most complete name. Use the spelling found in the signature.
- When there are differences in spelling between the clerk's and the applicant's version, use the applicants version as primary and record the clerk's version in the ALIAS field.
- Also in the alias field are "I desire my name to be changed to" and "I arrived under the name of" names.

If I see two forms, one on top of the other, do I key the information on one, both or neither of the forms?

- If you encounter documents with one form on top of the other form, neither form should be keyed.

Should documents that have been cancelled or crossed out be keyed?

- Yes, please enter the information found on these documents.

There are some forms that do not fit the three typical forms, as described in the Field Helps, should these be keyed?

- Looking closely at the Petition for Naturalization 3 form, Field Help indicates that there are forms that include the words, "declaration of intention to become a Citizen of the United States of America" that should be keyed using this form type. All of these forms do not look alike.